Writers

PREVIEW: All Blacks v Argentina first Test

Andy Burt 07 Sep 2017 Getty Images

After a heart-stopper in Dunedin against Australia, the All Blacks will be looking for a more dominant display against Argentina as the Investec Rugby Championship heats up at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

SQUAD NEWSThe All Blacks have made a number of changes to the side that beat Australia in a last-minute thriller in Dunedin two weeks ago. The major talking points are the selection of blockbusting loose forward Vaea Fifita at blindside flanker, a first Test start in 2017 for lock Luke Romano and the return of wing Nehe Milner-Skudder to the All Blacks for the first time in almost two years. In the midfield, Anton Lienert-Brown will partner Sonny Bill Williams while Ngani Laumape will offer impact from the bench.

QUICK TAP: ALL BLACKS TEST THEIR OPTIONS IN NEW PLYMOUTHLONG AWAITED RETURNAfter bursting onto the scene with his scintillating stepping and electric pace in 2015, Nehe Milner-Skudder returns for his first Test match since the 2015 Rugby World Cup final. The Hurricanes and Manawatu Turbos flyer has overcome devastating shoulder and foot injuries to take his place on the All Blacks left wing. Milner-Skudder has scored eight tries from eight Tests and will be looking to keep his 100 percent try-scoring strike rate alive against Argentina.

ARGENTINIAN THREATSWith the Pumas settled in the Investec Rugby Championship and the Jaguares now two years deep in Super Rugby, Argentina no longer have the surprise factor. With more exposure to Argentinian rugby, the All Blacks know who the major threats are. Upfront, Agustin Creevy is regarded as one of the world’s best hookers and will have a great battle with Dane Coles. In the loose forwards, Pablo Matera is a devastating defender and has already made 20 tackles in this year’s Rugby Championship. The Pumas have a number of threats out wide but perhaps none more so than flying fullback Joaquin Tuculet who was a constant menace during Argentina’s two Tests against South Africa.

FAST FACTThe All Blacks have played three previous Test matches at Yarrow Stadium for an average of 64 points per game.BE THERELimited tickets are still available to watch the All Blacks play their first Test in New Plymouth since 2013. Click HERE to buy tickets and experience the action live!